Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock feels he can help kick-start Paddy McCarthy's international career after landing the defender from Charlton.Dubliner McCarthy, Warnock's first summer signing, has played for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 and B sides but has yet to be capped at senior level.

But with Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni and his coaching staff keeping a watchful eye on Selhurst Park, having called up young forward Sean Scannell last season, Warnock feels McCarthy could yet make a name for himself.

"He's a player I've chased for about five years now, and I'm pleased to get him on board," said Warnock.

"He's a leader and the type of person we are looking for, and I think I can do him a bit of good as well - make him a better player and hopefully get him into the Republic side.

"I look at what the Republic have got, Paddy could definitely be a consistent player and with their manager and Liam Brady coming over to look at Scannell quite often then he will catch their eye."

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